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Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”

I’ve been thinking a lot about my friend who messaged me from India. Through our conversations I’ve gathered that he has to be super careful about what he posts on social media so that he doesn’t “out” himself to the wrong people. For him, it could be a threat to his own safety or even his life.

It’s Pride month, and a lot of my posts have been (and will continue to be) about raising awareness of the condition of LGBTQ people here in the United States as well as in the world. We are a world community, and we need to stand up for each other. That means speaking up with your voice, with your vote, with your money, and with your activism. It means standing up to your friends and family when you hear discrimination or derogatory remarks. It’s not always easy or safe for gay people to stand up for themselves, which is why we need straight allies to speak up, stand up, and act out, as well.

May all beings be happy and free is a really nice sentiment that most of us can agree upon. Don’t let it just be a string of nice words. Your words and actions mean something and make a difference.